They’ll never know
The hardships lived
Raising siblings
When I was still a kid
They’ll never know
The difficulty in
Trying to speak
With a speech impediment
They’ll never know
The pain that I had
Always being sad
Growing up without a real dad
They’ll never know
The struggle inside
While always on the grind
Mask worn to hide the feelings behind
They’ll never know
The hurt that lingers
When they point their fingers
The false blame that hinders
They’ll never know
The stress that’s endless
The stabs in the chest
Another failed contest
They’ll never know
The disappointment that shattered
This heart that’s been battered
And the shards left to gather
They’ll never know
The sacrifices that were made
The debts that were paid
And they still look at me afraid
They’ll never know
How hard it was to beat
Getting off of the streets
Without a rap sheet
They’ll never know
All the close calls
All the loved ones lost
All the shade that was tossed
The battles with addiction
The wars, the friction
The patience, the discipline
The wounds and all the blood that was given
They’ll never know
That all the while
Underneath this smile
Is a man
Who’s been tortured, been tested, profiled
Who’s been tried, been used, been abused
Who isn’t afraid to lose
Who endured, who survived
Who continues to strive
And is grateful to be alive
So drag my name through the mud
Wish me death from above
I don’t care, I’ll look at you
Still say “What’s up”
Because I’m a man
Who is blessed to express
That despite all of this
I can still smile
They’ll never know
BY OSCAR TORRES LEON
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